Red Light Cameras: Did I Get Caught on Amber? (The £100 Ambulance Trap)

It happens in a split second. You are approaching the junction. The light turns Amber. You make a decision: I can’t stop in time. You keep going. The light turns Red just as your back wheels cross the line. Did the camera catch you?

Red light offences (TS10) are one of the most common causes of penalty points in the UK. But there is even more confusion about what to do when an Ambulance or Police car is behind you with blue lights flashing. Here is the definitive guide to the “Amber Gamble” and why being a “good citizen” can actually get you fined.

The “Amber Gamble”: Is it Legal?

The Highway Code is clear: You MUST stop at an Amber light. There is only one exception:

• If you have already crossed the stop line, or are so close to it that pulling up might cause an accident.

The “Camera Trigger” Point: Red light cameras are activated by sensors in the road after the stop line. They usually arm themselves 0.5 to 1 second after the light turns red.

• Scenario A: You cross on Amber, and it turns Red while you are in the middle of the junction.

  • Verdict: Safe. The camera triggers when you cross the line on Red, not when you exit the junction.

• Scenario B: You accelerate to beat the Amber, but the light turns Red before your front wheels cross the line.

  • Verdict: Flash. That is a TS10 offence.

The Ambulance Trap (WARNING)

This is the nastiest trap for UK drivers. Scenario: You are stopped at a Red light. An ambulance comes up behind you with sirens blaring. There is no room for them to pass. You gently pull forward over the line to let them through. Result: Flash. You get a ticket.

Why?

• Crossing a red light is a “Strict Liability” offence. The camera doesn’t care why you did it.

• Can I appeal? You can try, but 99% of appeals are rejected. The law states you must not break the law to help an emergency vehicle.

• What should I do? Stay put. The ambulance driver is trained to find another way or turn their sirens off. Do not cross the line.

Do All Red Light Cameras Flash?

Traditionally, Yes. The classic “Gatso” cameras (the grey boxes) flash twice to prove your car moved. If you didn’t see a bright double-flash (even in daylight, it’s bright), you are usually okay.

However (The New Threat): New “Redspeed” or “Truvelo” cameras use Infrared technology. They do not flash. They can also double as Speed Cameras (catching you for speeding through a green light). Do not rely on the “flash” to tell you if you are safe.

What is the Penalty?

If you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) for running a red light:

1. Standard: £100 Fine + 3 Penalty Points.

2. Course: You might be offered a “National Traffic Light Safety Course” (similar to a Speed Awareness Course) if you haven’t done one recently. This saves you the points but costs ~£90.

3. Court: If the light had been red for a long time (e.g., 3+ seconds), you could be summoned to court for “Dangerous Driving,” which carries a much heavier penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

I stopped, but my front wheels went over the line. Will I get fined?

Technically, yes. The law says all of your vehicle must be behind the white line. However, cameras usually have a slight tolerance. If you stop quickly, you might be lucky.

Can I check online if I was caught?

No. There is no public database. You have to wait for the letter (NIP) to arrive. It must arrive within 14 days.

What if the light was stuck on Red?

If a traffic light is genuinely faulty, you should not cross. You should find another route. If you cross, you risk a fine unless you can prove (with dashcam footage) that it was broken.

(Sources: Highway Code – Light Signals, RAC – Red Light Cameras)